The Support Runners Need

Support from friends, family, coworkers and even fellow runners on the trail.

I have found that support when training for a race makes a world of difference. It comes in all forms:

1. Telling you buck up and go run when you’re complaining about not wanting to. Sometimes harsh, but necessary.
2. Providing an ice cold glass of water after a couple laps around the lake.
3. Motivating you when you feel you’ve lost the steam on your long distance run, especially when you’re only 5 miles in.
4. Reminding you that there will be another happy hour or fun outing and that you should prioritize because training is important.
5. Sending your well wishes before races.
6. Allowing you to leave work to rest when you’re sick on Friday afternoon, even if your plans in the next 24 hours involve running 13.1 miles. (True story: I came down with a bug on Friday and was devastated that I wouldn’t be able to race. But I did it!)
7. Traveling long distances just to cheer for you at the finish line.
8. Standing on the sidelines to possibly catch a glimpse of someone you know, but still cheering on people you don’t know.
9. Understanding and not judging post-race hunger.

So even if they call running an individual’s sport, I have found that it takes an entire team of supporters to get this runner to the finish line. Thank you all so much!

As for the course in Leavenworth, extremely hilly, but absolutely beautiful! I would highly recommend the race to anyone, just be ready for the grueling first 2 miles!